Sleepy Eye City Council OKs preliminary 2014 budget

Levy falls 3.44 percent

September 11, 2013

SLEEPY EYE - The Sleepy City Council approved a preliminary 2014 budget and levy certification Tuesday with a $1,112,440 levy that is 3.44 percent ($39,670) less than the 2013 levy of $1,152,110.

The preliminary 2014 budget is $3,603,190, compared to $3,462,160 in 2013. Contingency (emergency funds) climbed from $252,000 in 2013 to $387,000 in 2014.

"It's a conservative but doable budget," said Sleepy Eye City Manager Mark Kober. "City taxes are only a share of total property taxes. Other property taxes go to the county and school district."

The city council approved:

Applying for a 2014 Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership Small Cities Develop Program Planning Grant of up to $1.4 million with the City of St. James. Planning includes a community meeting and survey to determine if the project moves forward and determining a target area. Application cost is $6,500, due by Jan. 1, 2014.

A new snow removal policy making it illegal to park from midnight to 6 a.m. or until snow is plowed curb to curb and hauled away in designated areas including U.S. Highway 14 from 3rd Ave. West to 4th Ave. East, 1st and 2nd Avenue from Walnut to Oak. Violating vehicles will be tagged and towed.

Established the Snow Farm Second Addition Plat that includes rectangular lots.

Tabled a request for a River Region Co-op Essig sewer line connection until October when more details will be presented. A finance committee meeting with Milford Township and Essig village officials is planned and should provide the additional information.